I used a gift card and bought a Gander Mountain kit. Yesterday I tried my hand at it. I tied a wolly bugger first and then I guessed on how to tie a haystack. I feel pretty confident (because I've tied up flies a little as a boy...however, the nymphs look hard!)

What flies should I tie up in preparation for March?
What flies are best to start on until I'm more efficient?
And any advice on where to go on this site or elsewhere for good advice.

Noonan

01-18-2010 04:27 PM

Bead Head Hares Ear and a Pheasant Tail are 2 of the easier nymphs and are both very effective flies.

jeffnles1

01-18-2010 07:02 PM

Not sure if you kit has the right feathers, but soft hackles are flies I find easy to tie and are quite effective.

I second the pheasant tail and hare's ear nymphs. Caddis larve are also pretty easy to tie. Unfortunately, I've never caught much on caddis larve in the smokeys though.

Adams dry flies are pretty easy if you leave off the wings (guess it's not really an Adams then but it works and is a very effective fly in the mountains. Post some photos of your flies. I've found the folks on the LRO forum very supportive and suggestions are offered in a spirit of helping and encouragement instead of tearing down what you've done.

Hope this helps.

Jeff

BlueRaiderFan

01-19-2010 01:09 AM

My very unknowledgable opinion; For a begginer, tie some orange neversinks (you'll need some zapagap to secure the foam to the hook), after that, nymphs and midges. You can also tie some green, black and yellow neversinks. They are easy to see. Use the darker colors in the colder months and the brighter colors in the warmer months. JMHO.

jross

01-19-2010 04:55 PM

thanks, I'm gonna try some more tonight.

cfb61

02-12-2010 01:15 AM

Handy Hatch Guide

Smoky Mountain Fly Patterns Waterproof Flip-Book
Have an older edition of this little book. Is very informative. See LRO site under books.